Clean Edge of Change…as the end of the semester approaches…

by Sister Julie Ann on May 1, 2009

Recently ranked ‘a cool song’ in a Franciscanized World survey, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity present Carrie Newcomer’s The Clean Edge of Change. At an emotional time when the end of the semester calls for vocation, career or summer transitions, Newcomer’s Rounder release, The Geography of Light, is about navigating and exploring the appearance of light and shadow in our lives.

The Geography of Light

It is a layered work. On one level, the listener experiences these types of connections through Newcomer’s lyrics, which explore life with a progressive spiritual sensibility. In a world that encourages us to move faster and think bigger, Newcomer invites the listener to slow down and reflect on the small things that make life worthwhile.

As Rolling Stone wrote, “Newcomer asks all the right questions and refuses to settle for easy answers.” On another level, the listener hears a skillfully arranged and performed collection of folk roots tracks, with Appalachian and classical influences. Newcomer’s style is straightforward and accessible. Overall, she is not afraid to take on serious subjects, and does so with a healthy measure of good humor and self-awareness.

Recorded and produced by Newcomer and David Weber at Airtime Studios, The Geography of Light is Newcomer’s eleventh release on Rounder, with prior albums including The Age of Possibility, The Gathering of Spirits, the Betty’s Diner collection and her last album Regulars & Refugees. As her most intimate and lush work yet, The Geography of Light results from working closely with a core of exceptional musicians, including Gary Walters on piano, Chris Wagoner on violin, mandolin, dobro and ukulele, Mary Gaines on cello, Jeff Hedback on bass, Jim Brock on percussion, Keith Skooglund on guitar and Krista Detor on background vocals. At the center is Newcomer’s adept guitar work and resonant voice, the Austin Statesman called “as rich as Godiva chocolate.” From the haunting fiddle hook of “There is a Tree” to the string quartet accompaniment of “Lazarus” to the deep acoustic groove of “Where You Been”, this album is both timeless and contemporary. Also contributing to the project is Hugh Syme, whose artwork was designed with a sense of magical realism reinforcing the idea of expecting miracles in common places.

“I believe it is when we are in crisis that we are most open to change and positive growth. Of course, no one welcomes crisis, but during those difficult times there is an opportunity for reassessment and transformation. “The Clean Edge of Change” was written about what it feels like on the other side of a difficult time period. The song acknowledges that sometimes there is no getting around a problem, you can’t get over it, or under it, or even around it — the only way out is through. But, when we emerge on the other side of that difficult time period, it feels like the calm after a storm or the deep sigh after a good cry. There is a clean edge to it. You don’t know exactly what life will look like from here on out, you just know that it will be different.” -Carrie Newcomer

35 thoughts on “Clean Edge of Change…as the end of the semester approaches…”

Rhonda, you are right. We can only know the will of God THROUGH experience. Thomas Merten wrote: ‘If I find myself I find God, and if I find God then I will find myself.’ Thanks for letting us know you found meaning in the song.

We go in the direction of our vision. If our vision is strong and compelling, we go in this direction. When we become more aware of the good things people are doing in the world today, our vision keeps expanding and more and more possibilities keep emerging. As Christians, the presence of God in our hearts gives a vision of unlimited possibilities for his Reign on Earth. Knowing that God is present deep within the hearts of all humanity and within all of nature gives us the needed energy to move forward with confidence.

This song really shows what is needed to be a sister! I like the line “She cannot live beneath my wings” because it shows that we have to be the change we want to see in the world, and not rely on other people, just on Him!

Listening to this song reminded me of what my great aunt had told me when I asked her why she became a sister. She had told me that she needed to go through the experience to make hereself closer to God. I respect all those who have made that choice.

“The Clean Edge of Change” is a very moving and emotional song for me. It tells how in order to move forward with your life, you must face the challenges that stand in your way. The Lord makes this “change” easier when we put total faith in His love.

I liked the idea “There’s as many names for dark as for light” It reminded me that there’s just as much bad in this world as good, which is why it’s so important for us to stick together and push through.

Well, when we listened to the song, our backround was the random designs and I thought it was really cool that everytime a new picture came up there was always a circle of light that I noticed and it reminded me of the light or Christ and allthough it is hard to see you have to find it because like the song said, “there’s nowhere else to go but through.”

I feel as if this song is a good way to see in a new light. I think my favorite line in the song is “There’s as many names for dark as for light” That line shows us that we have to look for the good because bad things are everywhere, even if we don’t know it.

I felt this song was very inspiring. It showed me that we have to make changes for the better and be open to new life. I thought new life was symbolized through light and the light symbolized that we have to be open to God and his plan for us, as well as living up to our faith.

I found this song to be helpful with showing what things are the most important in our lives and how we can make sacrafices to make more room for God and our faith!! It helped to show that we need to push through the hard times in our lives.

the song’s message is definitely true about how during times of crisis we find ourselves turning to God more. i had a family crisis and during this i became more aware of God and that his will was what would be best.

Impressive sharings after just one opportunity to listen to this powerful song! It is evident that your own personal encounters with the living person of Jesus Christ assist you in meeting the challenge of light and darkness in your own lives.

May the Lord bless you as you confidently walk through new opportunities this summer, and each day for the rest of your lives!

The movie that played during the song was really cool because it followed the song and it showed “nowhere else to go but through.” I believe this song shows that we need to keep trying and not give up.

This song motivates me to become a better person and stand on clean edge of change. Becoming closer to God is important to me and this song inspires me to push through all the hard times with God by my side.

This song is really meaningful and I think it is a great song talking about working hard and what is really important in life. I thought the presentation was very informational. I think TEC would be awesome to be apart of. Sister Jane is famous being on this website; she is the best Chemistry teacher ever.

Sister Jane is blessed to share each of her school hours with all of you at Roncalli. May the Lord give you peace as you see the ‘edge’ of the academic year coming. And may your summer jobs and other experiences (e.g. softball, babysitting, working at Festival, fishing in Canada) open you to the wonder of God’s abiding presence.